A patient scheduled for mastectomy surgery has a 10-year history of COPD. Which muscle relaxant is contraindicated in this patient during the surgery? a. Clonidine b. Vecuronium c. Tubocurarine d. Succinylcholine.
Medicine ยท Wed Jul 13 2022
Answered on
The muscle relaxant that is contraindicated in a patient with a history of COPD during mastectomy surgery is Tubocurarine (option C).
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can make it difficult for the patient to breathe properly. During surgery, muscle relaxants are often used to help facilitate the medical procedures by inducing muscle paralysis. However, certain muscle relaxants can have adverse effects on patients with COPD.
Tubocurarine is a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant that acts by blocking the receptors for acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction. It is known to have a long duration of action and can cause histamine release, which may exacerbate bronchoconstriction in patients with COPD. Therefore, it is contraindicated in this patient population.
Other muscle relaxants, such as Clonidine (option A), Vecuronium (option B), and Succinylcholine (option D), may be considered as alternatives for muscle relaxation during surgery for patients with a history of COPD. However, it is important for the anesthesia team to carefully evaluate the patient's condition and choose the most appropriate muscle relaxant, taking into consideration factors such as the patient's overall health, medication history, and potential drug interactions.